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Celebrating the life of William "Mike" Conner
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Obituary for William "Mike" Conner
Mike Conner passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, at the age of 83.
Mike was born on Feb. 12, 1936, in Palo Alto, California to parents William 'Bill' and Kathryn Conner. He spent his early years in Palo Alto and Woodland, California and met his beloved wife, Claire, in the 9th grade.
Both Mike and Claire attended Palo Alto High School and Mike went on to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in Political Science. Mike remained a lifelong Stanford fan, following its athletic teams and was often seen wearing his Stanford garb.
Mike and Claire moved to Vacaville in 1959 and, after working as the City Clerk for the City of Vacaville for several years, he began his career as an independent insurance broker with G.C. Linn Insurance Agency. Mike went on to found and own River Valley Insurance Agency, from which he retired in 2018.
Mike’s life was defined not just by his work but also by his devotion to his family and community. Mike was a Vacaville community leader and generously gave his time to numerous organizations over the span of his life.
Mike was a two term Vacaville City Council Member, Vacaville Chamber of Commerce Board Member and President, Solano County Independent Insurance Agents President, Fiesta Days Chairperson, Little League Coach and Board Member, Cub Scout Pack Leader and Church of Epiphany Treasurer. He was also active in Elks Club, Boy Scouts, United Way, Red Cross and March of Dimes.
He played a leading role in founding The Partnership Health Plan of California and Solano County Foundation, where he served as Board Chairs. In addition, Mike was influential in the start of Vacaville Public Education Foundation and served on its founding committee. He shared his vast knowledge and experience by serving on the Vacaville Reporter editorial board for several years. Mike was committed to the ideals of the Rotary Club serving in numerous board capacities, including the Club President and the Rotary Foundation Chair, and was proud of his long continuous attendance record.
Mike was recognized numerous times for his community service but he was most proud of the Silver Bear Award for Distinguished Service to Youth that was awarded to him by the Golden Empire Council Boy Scouts of America.
Mike was a devoted and supportive husband. He was loved and adored by his immediate and extended family, and made friends wherever he went, be it around town, around the country and even around the globe. Mike and Claire were adventurous and traveled the world together but also enjoyed a quiet week at their Sierra Foothill cabin.
Mike and Claire always made time for family. They created wonderful memories for their children and grandchildren with unforgettable bi-annual family trips to the Caribbean, Mexico and Lake Tahoe.
Mike was loving and kind, generous and accepting. He was enthusiastic about life and saw each day as a new opportunity. He found humor in the little things. Mike led by example and everyone he met was better for having crossed his path.
Mike is survived by his wife, soulmate and best friend, Claire; his children, Kelly Spaeth (Paul), Brian (Susan) and Kevin (Caroline); Mike was proud of his nine grandchildren and supported them by attending hundreds of their sporting and performing arts events, Abigail Neff (Robert), Scott (Hayman Chan), Jacob and Emma Spaeth, Kaitlyn Turner (Eric), Colby and Shelby Conner and Kristi and Kathryn Conner; as well as his first great-grandchild, Lucy Neff; a whole host of surviving nieces, nephews, cousins; and his brothers, Patrick and Timothy (Donna) Conner also mourn his passing.
Please join us at 2 p.m. Jan. 9, 2020, at The Church of the Epiphany, 300 West Street, Vacaville, California to honor and celebrate Mike’s life, with a reception to follow.
Mike was involved in many nonprofit organizations. He would be honored by donations made to any of them in his name, but two of his favorites were: The Vacaville Rotary Endowment, P.O. Box 5593, Vacaville, CA 95696 and The Church of the Epiphany, 300 West St. Vacaville, CA 94588.
